MoreIsLess
Member
I have a Kahr PM9 and I wonder if it is OK to shoot lead bullets from it. I have always heard you should not shoot lead from a barrel with polygonal rifling which, I believe, the PM9 has
Lead from a Kahr PM 9
- Thread starter MoreIsLess
- Start date
- Status
wally
Member
I do it on occasion with my Glocks and P40, Limit myself to 50-100 rounds max and do a very good barrel cleaning and inspection afterwards. Its the need for such a complete cleaning after so few rounds that make it not attractive for me.
I ended up buying a conventionally rifled CW9 and it shoots pretty much nothing but lead bullets usually 50 rounds a week of my reloads followed by 5 rounds of whatever cheap FMJ I have on hand. Take it apart for cleaning maybe once every 8 months or so, after every session, a wipe down and a bore snake is about all it gets. Been doing this for many years and a lot of rounds ~ 2000/yr), the savings in ammo costs have more than paid for the practice pistol, and keeps my CCW nearly pristine.
I ended up buying a conventionally rifled CW9 and it shoots pretty much nothing but lead bullets usually 50 rounds a week of my reloads followed by 5 rounds of whatever cheap FMJ I have on hand. Take it apart for cleaning maybe once every 8 months or so, after every session, a wipe down and a bore snake is about all it gets. Been doing this for many years and a lot of rounds ~ 2000/yr), the savings in ammo costs have more than paid for the practice pistol, and keeps my CCW nearly pristine.
hardluk1
member
The barrel used in the PM series tend to have the same issues as other polygonal rifled barrels. More cleaning is needed. You could also try to buy a CM series barrel . Drop right in.
usp9
Member
Check your manual. Kahr says that if you shoot lead bullets, simply clean the barrel more often, paying attention not to allow any excess lead build up. If you want a direct answer...
from the Kahr.com web site
Last edited:
I've had several Glocks over the years and never had an issue. My Witness Match in .45 regularly sees sessions of 3-400 rounds of lead without cleaning. I think the issue is people shooting loads that would lead any barrel and become surprised with a failure of some sort when it happens.
Last edited:
Elkins45
Member
I shoot lead in mine quite a bit, but I don't drive it to insane velocities.
Dan-O
Member
I've shot thousands of lead pills through my K9. It's a non-issue.
Skylerbone
Member
The issue is one of pressure and as lead bullets tend to run .001" larger than their jacketed counterparts, they must be further squeezed by the barrel, often resulting in leading around the chamber leade (which many don't notice as they glance at the rifling).
Glock rifling is not true polygonal rifling and to shoot lead through either takes some care beyond the scope of a simple yes. It is an issue and must be approached with caution.
Glock rifling is not true polygonal rifling and to shoot lead through either takes some care beyond the scope of a simple yes. It is an issue and must be approached with caution.
silicosys4
Member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2012
- Messages
- 3,714
1. Check with Kahr as to whether the cm barrel drops right in. From what I've read, it doesn't.
2. I have shot many lead rounds out of polygonal barrels including glocks, H&K's, and Kahrs without ill effect, but I check the barrel regularly for leading, limit my rounds between cleanings, clean often, and have worked up loads that leave minimal leading
2. I have shot many lead rounds out of polygonal barrels including glocks, H&K's, and Kahrs without ill effect, but I check the barrel regularly for leading, limit my rounds between cleanings, clean often, and have worked up loads that leave minimal leading
- Status
